Royal Firetip
Common NameRoyal Firetip
Scientific NamePyrrhopyge phidias
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrrhopyginae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark blue, black, red, yellow, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico south to Brazil)
Host PlantsByrsonima species
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple broods in tropical regions)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green with a distinct head capsule, feeding on leaves. Pupation occurs in a silken shelter, often within a folded leaf.
Identification TipsLook for its robust, dark blue-black body and wings, striking red head and body markings, and the distinctive yellow-orange band with a white border on the underside of the hindwings. Its hooked antennae are characteristic of skippers.
Description
A robust, dark blue-black skipper with a bright red head and thorax, a red stripe along the abdomen, and a prominent yellow-orange band bordered by white on the hindwing underside.
